Nuclear energy gives Illinois economic power, if it will allow new plants
A slew of private investments in nuclear energy signals opportunity, yet Illinois remains one of only 12 states that limits production. The state needs to lift its ban on new reactors.
A 20-year deal between Meta and Constellation to support continued operation of the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Dewitt County shows a renewal in support for nuclear energy, but Illinois is one of 12 states restricting new large-scale reactors.
The deal is expected to retain 1,100 high-paying jobs, generate $13.5 million in annual tax revenue and produce 30 megawatts of carbon-free electricity each year, showcasing the increasing value of nuclear reactors. States such as New York are seizing the opportunity by building new nuclear plants to generate billions in revenue and create thousands of jobs.
For Illinois, already a nuclear powerhouse, lifting its ban on new reactors marks a clear opportunity to further unlock economic benefits. Those include high-paying jobs, new private investment, millions in tax revenue and support for its clean energy ambitions.
Illinois is already the most nuclear dependent state, despite bans.
Illinois capitalizes on nuclear energy more than any other state, with six nuclear power plants and 11 reactors generating 54% of the state’s electricity. Despite its reliance, Illinois maintains a nearly 40-year moratorium on building large-scale nuclear power plants.
While Illinois removed some of its nuclear power restrictions in 2023, the move only lifted limits on new reactors generating under 300 megawatts called “small modular reactors.” Small modular reactor technology remains experimental with no commercial deployments planned in Illinois. Illinois still bans new construction of large-scale, grid-connected reactors, which are the only ones with proven economic impact.
For example, the Byron Clean Energy Center, a two-reactor plant 20 miles southeast of Rockford, produces enough carbon-free electricity to power 1.7 million homes. The plant employs 693 employees, supports an extra 5,100 direct and indirect jobs and provides $35.1 million in annual property taxes.
Nuclear plants across Illinois contribute $9 billion to the state’s economy each year while supporting the state’s mission in going completely carbon-free by 2050.
Renewed interest in nuclear energy provides Illinois economic opportunities
The Meta agreement is just one of many recent deals between big tech and the nuclear industry. Companies such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft have invested hundreds of millions in nuclear sites and developments to support advancements in tech and AI. This wave of agreements presents a prime opportunity to attract new private investment to Illinois, a top 10 state for tech employment.
Businesses aren’t alone. A new Gallup Poll survey shows 55% of U.S. adults support nuclear power as a way to generate electricity, marking the highest support in over a decade.
Other states are seeing the opportunity. Four states have fully repealed their nuclear moratoriums during the past decade, including neighbors Wisconsin and Kentucky.
Repealing its nuclear moratorium can allow Illinois to further invest in large-scale power plants, unlocking economic growth, securing high-paying jobs and cementing the state’s leadership in clean, carbon-free energy.